Christian Villages Ruthlessly Attacked by Militants

Release International, World Watch Monitor 16 October 2014 2 minutes read

Pray for the protection of villages targeted
by militants in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Photo: Flickr / Jeff Attaway

Fulani militants recently attacked several Christian villages in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Twelve villagers and a soldier were reportedly killed in the assault.

Meanwhile, the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram recently abducted more than 40 people, a number of whom are Christians. Among those seized on September 30th were a mother and her newborn twins. (Boko Haram was also responsible for the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in April. For more information on that incident, please visit this page.)

Earlier in September, a group of bishops in the country called the government to do more to protect the lives and properties of citizens. Their statement included the following remarks: "As Nigeria tragically bleeds and burns, we bishops are alarmed at the scale of human and material destruction, and at the disruption of village and community life with increased levels of hatred and the potential for more conflicts in the nation. While Muslims are sometimes targets of these destructive attacks, Christians, churches and non-Muslims in general are the principal targets for extermination, expropriation and expulsion by the Boko Haram insurgents, the perpetrators of all this destruction."

Let us bring those who are injured or mourning the loss of a loved one to our Lord, praying that they will have the assurance of His comforting promise to be especially near to the broken-hearted and crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Pray also that those who were abducted will be shielded from additional harm and very soon freed from captivity so they can safely return to their homes and concerned families. May the witness of faithful Christians in Nigeria serve as a powerful testimony to the members of Boko Haram who are perpetrating such atrocious crimes, so that these militants may repent and come to faith in Jesus. Finally, ask that God will grant wisdom to Nigeria's church leaders and governmental authorities as they work to resolve the ongoing unrest in their homeland.

For more information on Nigeria's persecuted church, visit our Country Report.

Nigeria

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC works with in-country partners to encourage and strengthen persecuted Christians through a variety of methods. Christians are equipped with audio bibles to distribute to their persecutors. Christian widows receive skills training and trauma counselling as a way to provide an income for their families and heal from the trauma they’ve faced in losing their husbands. Children who have lost parents and relatives due to attacks are provided with a safe place to grow and be nurtured. Medical fees are paid for Christians who have suffered injuries due to attacks by Boko Haram and Fulani. Discipleship and vocational training are given to Muslim Background Believers to help them start their new lives spiritually and practically. The Glenn Penner Scholarship Award is used to help equip persecuted Christians completing their Masters and have a heart to share the Gospel with the lost in their community.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Bibles, Medical Fund, Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
230,842,743 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Hausa (30), Yoruba (15.5), Igbo (15.2), Fulani (6), Tiv (2.4), Kanuri/Beriberi (2.4), Ibibio (1.8), Izaw/Izon (1.8), Other (24.7)

Religion (%)
Islam (53.5), Christianity (45.9), Other (0.6)

Leader
President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (2023)

Government type
Federal presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Nigeria
May God minister great comfort and healing to all who have been injured or bereaved as a result of the militants' brutal attacks. In addition, pray for the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls, that they will be assured of the Lord's abiding presence as they await release from captivity. Continue to uphold President Tinubu and other members of the Nigerian government as they make further attempts to rescue the remaining girls and provide protection for vulnerable citizens. As they persevere in their endeavours to overcome terrorism, may they be granted wisdom, courage, strength and help from on high.